The Effects of Low Transmission Fluid

A transmission usually will not show any effects of low transmission fluid unless the level is down at least a quart. At that point, it may begin showing some symptoms. Since transmission repair can be costly and replacement is extremely expensive, the fluid level should be checked and maintained whenever an oil change is performed, and any leaks promptly repaired.

Slippage

With low fluid, the transmission may slip between gear shifts, and the symptom is the engine racing between shift changes.

Rough Shifting

The shifting may feel rough or jerky when the vehicle has low transmission fluid.

Engagement Delay

When the car is put in forward or reverse, there may be a delay of a few seconds before it moves if the transmission fluid level is low.

Shifting Delay

Another effect of low transmission fluid is that gear shifts may be delayed from the speeds where they normally take place.

Deterioration

Driving a vehicle with low transmission fluid for any length of time can cause deterioration of transmission components.

Resources

• Transmission troubleshooting